Interesting things people do on Christmas Around the World

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So we all have our own Christmas traditions, right? Have you ever wondered what other around the world do this time of year? Well, we will be covering a few things people do in North America, Europe, and Asia.do during this festive time of year.

In the U.S we have many traditions but have you ever heard of Elfapalooza? In Louisville, Kentucky on December 7, 2018, the town has a grand time at this festival. It’s held at the Galt House Hotel. Here is what their website has to say, “Every year, elves from the North Pole travel to the Galt House Hotel, which is transformed into a winter wonderland to make the elves feel more at home. You and your family can help them give toys to kids all over the world by donating a new, unwrapped toy to Toys for Tots. You can also meet the elves and see a holiday movie at 6 PM. Snack on chicken fingers, popcorn, cookies, and hot chocolate. Adults can also enjoy some “adult” beverages. Plus, take a ride on the Peppermint Express, our kiddie train. RIVUE Tower, 2nd Floor. Free, with a suggested toy donation to Toys for Tots.” They also hold this tradition in Mobile, Alabama. Another interesting tradition in the U.S is the Tumbleweed Tree. Chandler, Arizona is home to the worlds largest Tumbleweed Tree, this tradition has been going on since 1957, and they take it very seriously. Beginning around September, city workers begin collecting the dried Russian thistle bushes (better known as tumbleweeds) that roll across the landscape. It takes around 1,000 of the iconic dead plants to create the massive “tree” each year. The collected tumbleweeds are placed around a chicken wire frame to give the attraction the shape of a wide, full tree, before being coated in a more pleasing shade of Christmas white and flame retardant. Finally, the whole thing is covered with over 65 pounds of glitter and strung with Christmas lights which are activated in a yearly ceremony.

Now let’s take a look at Europe. In Sweden, they have the Gävle Goat. The Gävle Goat is a goat constructed from straw, and it’s an old Scandinavian yule symbol that preceded Santa Claus as the bringer of gifts, according to Fox News’ article, 35 weirdest Christmas traditions around the world. The goat is known as Julbocken I Gävle in Sweden and stands in the town of Gavle, surprisingly. Another strange European Christmas tradition takes place in in the Austrian village of Gresten. Have you ever heard of Krampus? Some believe he supposed to be Santa’s opposite or rival, most people don’t bother with him at all because of his demonic appearance. Not in this town. Every year the Austrian village of Gresten has an annual Krampus run. A man dresses up in a Krampus suit to scare children into behaving for Christmas. If they don’t behave, they will “be punished” by Krampus.

Now we’re onto Asia. In India, Christmas is a state holiday because of British influences and because of mid-academic year vacations, according to Chantelle Joy’s Christmas Traditions in Asia article. Unlike western Christmas, In northern India, people plant trees instead of chopping them down and taking them home, on Badaa Din, which is what the people in India call Christmas.

In Japan Christmas is considered a normal working day. Due to this many Japanese people don’t get the day off. Rather interestingly Christmas is considered to be a night of romance similar to the western holiday Valentine’s Day. Instead of spending the time with family the Japanese like to spend their time with their friends and significant others. In Japan, you can’t have Christmas without a big bucket of KFC chicken. Although it may sound strange it’s true! An estimated 3.6 million Japanese families treat themselves to fried chicken from the American fast-food chain, in what has become a nationwide tradition.

In conclusion, there are many interesting Christmas traditions around the world. We only covered a few but there are so many more to research. If you have the time look into some more traditions. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!